Employment Posting:
Student Peer Supporter

Job Description:

“Peer Support is a supportive relationship between people who have lived experience in common”.

– Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)

The Access and Belonging (A&B) Team is seeking to hire four (4) Student Peer Supporters for the duration of the academic year. Student Peer Supporters will deliver a variety of services to students that align with A&B's vision and mandate related to community, care, connection, belonging, and access to services. The program connects caring and trained Student Peer Supporters who identify with having lived and / or living experience with mental health and substance use with students who may benefit from inclusive support and referral navigation. This support is offered in safer spaces on campus and through a variety of partnerships and outreach initiatives that focus on connection. The support offered is available to students for a variety of concerns, including but not limited to mental health and well-being, academic challenges, cultural adjustment, and a variety of personal experiences. By fostering connection, understanding, and community, Peer Support helps students feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their university journey.

The ideal candidate must confirm that they are in a place of wellness where they feel comfortable sharing parts of their lived and living experiences with mental health and/ or substance use. Having a strong understanding of peer support or experience working in the field will be considered an asset.

This position reports directly to the Peer Support and Outreach Lead, Access and Belonging.

Duties Include:

• Foster a positive, friendly, and inclusive environment
• Guide, listen, and share hope with others who face similar paths / experiences
• Meet with students/ peers in a variety of settings (drop-in, one-to-one settings, outreach initiatives) and provide informal support, education and information to students about available resources on and off campus
• Lead and participate in a variety of outreach initiatives that involve planning and promoting, developing and engaging
• Attend all required team meetings, including check-ins and debrief discussions with the team and supervisor
• Participate in ongoing professional development and learning opportunities, individually and with the team
• Role model appropriate personal and professional behaviour and boundaries, including adhering to the Nipissing University Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities
• Adhere to program standards, operational procedures, professional boundaries and engage in professional ethical behaviour, respecting the boundaries of a peer relationship
• Exercise sound judgment and critical thinking skills and be able to recognize and reflect on the limitations of the role
• Maintain confidentiality
• Assist in data collection for program evaluation and reporting
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a current Nipissing University student
• Must be enrolled for the entire academic year
• Identify as having lived or living experience with mental health and/or substance use (diagnosis/disclosure not required)
• Demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, reliability, and initiative
• Ability to communicate effectively and establish rapport with individuals from a wide range of educational, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Demonstrate insight into personal limitations and strengths
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Committed to demonstrating and promoting self-care, well-being, and resilience
• Ability to support and encourage decision-making in others, while remaining receptive to and incorporating constructive feedback.
•  Ability to provide non-judgmental support, use active listening skills and build rapport with students
• Open to opportunities for ongoing learning and growth
• Actively contribute to a workplace that embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, and cultural awareness
• Demonstrate skills and experience with social media, marketing, and/or community outreach. Public speaking experience is considered an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Complete and submit all mandatory HR paperwork and forms prior to or first day of employment
• Be available to work 10 hours per week Monday – Friday on campus, for the entire academic year
• Available to work regular shifts in accordance with program needs
• Available to work some ad hoc evenings and weekends, if scheduled
• Available to work extra hours throughout the year for PD and events/initiatives

ADDITONAL INFORMATION:

Due to the nature of the work and the needs of the program, we are unable to accept applications from students who will be away for long periods of time either on placement or for other reasons. You must also be available to work the entire academic year.

*This position is subject to budgetary approval*

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter (in one document) referencing the job title in the subject line and three (3) references to studentjobs@nipissingu.ca.  A separate email for each position must be submitted if applying for multiple positions.

We thank all applicants; however, only those to be considered for an interview will be contacted.

Nipissing University is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications, which may include self-identification in a cover letter from Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized minorities. 

Nipissing University must gather information from applicants to determine eligibility to work in Canada. Please include a statement in your application to identify whether you are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or are otherwise legally eligible to work in Canada.  You must be able to provide proof of being a full-time post-secondary student, have a valid work study permit and a Social Insurance Number to work on-campus.

Nipissing University will provide accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. You can request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at access@nipissingu.ca.